Neva Lakes - 8.0 Miles Round-Trip

The Neva Lakes (11,836') are located in a steep-walled cirque between Mt Neva (12,814') and Mt Jasper (12,923') in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. No trail reaches the lakes, however a fairly moderate cross-country route splits off the Arapaho Pass Trail and follows North Fork Middle Boulder Creek to its source at the lakes.

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The most efficient route follows the Arapaho Pass Trail to the Arapaho Glacier Trail split, where you can drop (south) into the valley and intercept the creek.

It traces the creek through a stunning sequence of alpine meadows, tarns and cascades to a steep wall under the cirque, the only major obstacle between the trail and lakes.

Use best available terrain and pitch to scale the oft snow-covered wall, above which travel moderates across open tundra to the lakes.

Only experienced hikers should attempt the Neva Lakes. Though off-trail navigation along the North Fork is intuitive, proficiency with maps, compass and/or GPS is still required for safe and efficient travel.

Distances will vary by route. The route described here travels 2 miles off-trail, each way. Much of it runs at and over treeline, and travel can be slow even on gentle terrain.  

Watch weather closely and allow plenty of time for the return climb out of the valley to regain the Arapaho Pass Trail. Avoid trampling sensitive alpine vegetation and walk on rocks and snow whenever possible to minimize impact.

Note, the lakes have no widely recognized official name. They're unnamed on most maps, guides and Boulder County documents. They've been dubbed the 'Neva Lakes' here in reference to their location under Mt Neva, and for expedient recognition. Please contact [email protected] with additional information:

The Arapaho Pass Trail rises past the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary (.4 miles : 10,385') with a good look at Diamond Lake's outlet-waterfall across the valley. 

It narrows across the midsection of a steep cascade (1 mile : 10,650') to the Diamond Lake Trail split (1.15 miles : 10,752'). The APT switchbacks and moderates across high open slopes with views of Neva, Jasper and the general route you'll be taking.

It levels across a washed-over flat to the Arapaho Glacier Trail split (2.05 miles : 11,235') where an unmarked spur branches south and drops into patchy krummholz.

The spur weaves to a meadow and fades (2.3 miles : 11,070'), where you'll follow best-available terrain to meet the creek (2.6 miles : 11,190'). 

Navigation is quite simple from this point, though you'll still have to negotiate several marshy ponds, willow patches, outcrops and stream crossings.

There are many great places to camp in this idyllic setting, arguably one of the nicest valleys in the Indian Peaks. The Arapaho Pass Trail - etched high into the north valley wall - is almost always in sight and its location never in question.

The route rises through expansive meadows to the base of a steep wall under the cirque (3.45 miles : 11.525').

All things equal scaling the left (south) side is preferable, as it leads to level grassy tundra (3.6 miles : 11,710') across the basin from Lower Neva Lake.

Much of the lower lake is ringed by talus, and the north-side approach leads right into it. A slightly longer but more gentle approach from the south leads to Upper Neva Lake (4.0 miles : 11,836'), from which it's an easy backtrack to the lower lake.